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Entry Level DSLR - Nikon D3100 14.2MP SLR Digital Camera

Updated on June 5, 2013

Excellent Entry Level Camera

5 out of 5 stars from 1 rating of Nikon D3100
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The Right Entry Level Digital Camera

Finding the right entry level digital camera can be a tough decision for people that are interested in stepping up there photography from a smaller compact digital camera to a more professional digital SLR solution. The additional features and capabilities that a DSLR type camera provides the amateur photographer are immediately recognized once you make the switch. The price of a good digital camera can go up very quickly and it is easy to spend north of a thousand dollars for a good camera not including additional accessories. The Nikon D3100 DSLR comes is a 14.2 megapixel camera with a 18-55mm lens. It also has the capability of taking 1080p quality video. The rapid fire style shooting with 11 points of auto focus make it an easy camera to operate for the beginner with a high quality digital camera. The camera has the capability to have additional lenses added on to provide enhancements to the picture but the lens that comes with the camera takes great pictures. This camera runs between $450 and $600 depending on where you buy it and if used or new. This make it the perfect solution for the person that needs to take high quality pictures for an online business or a for capturing family moments. Find below the basic product details from the Nikon website and consider the Nikon D3100 if you are looking for an inexpensive DSLR camera that has enough of the core features of camera that will last you for many years to come into the future.

Nikon D3100 Details and Features

The Nikon D3100 is a powerful lower end DSLR and is Nikon's replacement for the older Nikon D3000.

Features of the Nikon D3100

  • 14.megapixel DX format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED2 image processor
  • Active D-Lighting
  • Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control System
  • 3.0 230,000 dot resolution fixed LCD screen
  • Full High Definition Video Recording 1080p also capable of 720p30/25/24 and 480p24
  • Full time auto focus in movie mode
  • 3D Color Matrix Metering II w/ scene recognition system
  • 3D Tracking Multi Cam 1000 auto focus sensor modul with 11 autofocus points
  • ISO Sensitivity 100 - 3200 (6400-12800 with boost)
  • File Formats JPEG, NEF
  • Capability with SDXC memory cards
  • Nikon F Mount Lenses fit

Nikon D3100 Entry Level Overview

Pictures from a Nikon D3100

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Practice Taking Digital Photos

The best thing about owning a digital camera is after you have made the initial investment you can really learn a lot by just spending time shooting pictures without much more cost involved. An entry level dslr camera allows you the capability to take a really high end picture compared to traditional amateur style cameras and then with some time practicing and learning the features of your camera you can really become a very good amateur photographer in no time. I have really enjoyed learning how to use my D3100 by Nikon over the past year and have taken some really outstanding pictures that others have been impressed with. Buy a large SD card such as an 8GB or bigger and get to shooting pictures. Save them onto your computer and keep on taking more shots and with lots of practice I am sure you will have people raving over your pictures, or at least you will have some really high quality cat or dog photos you can post to reddit.

Picking A Basic Camera

It can be hard at times to pick the right camera for the situations that you will need a camera for. Most people actually to do not really need to have a DSLR type camera or require the specific functionality that are included in higher end cameras. Nor do most owners of these types of cameras ever really learn how to use all of the features the device comes equipped with.

Pick a camera that you are comfortable shooting pictures with. If you want to take occasional picture and then quickly hide your camera away from view then a cell phone with a high mega pixel cam will probably work for most of your pictures. A small compact digital camera also fits perfect in the pocket and is easy to carry. However, if you plan on taking a large number of pictures and will be out for an adventure such as travelling or on vacation than a full size camera with a comfortable neck strap may be ideal, you can safely carry the camera and have it out to capture all of the sights and moments as they happen.

Get the most megapixels for your budge.

Make sure you can easily wield the device.

Be comfortable holding and shooting pictures with it.

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